For doctors, dentists, therapists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals subject to HIPAA privacy regulations, estate planning involves more than simply deciding who inherits your assets.

For doctors, dentists, therapists, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals subject to HIPAA privacy regulations, estate planning involves more than simply deciding who inherits your assets. If you die or become incapacitated, what happens to your patients, their confidential medical records, and your professional practice? Without proper planning, your family or Personal Representative may find themselves responsible for a healthcare practice they cannot legally operate, medical records they cannot freely access, and patients whose continuity of care must be protected. A comprehensive estate plan should address the appointment of a qualified professional or records custodian to manage patient records, appropriate authorization for access to protected health information, compliance with HIPAA and applicable state privacy and professional licensing laws, and the orderly transition, sale, or closure of your practice. Your Will, Trust, Powers of Attorney, and business succession documents should work together to ensure that someone with the appropriate legal authority and professional qualifications can step in when necessary. At the Law Offices of P. Stephen Aita, PLLC, we help healthcare professionals develop estate plans that protect their families, their practices, and the patients who depend on them. Contact our office at 253.858.5434 to schedule a consultation and make sure your estate plan addresses the unique responsibilities of your profession.